Pacemaker for atrial fibrillation

[Peepal]

My AF causes me to have fast heart rates which are not controlled by maximum dose of Bisoprolol 10 mg a day. Being 87 years of age and after one catheter ablation which only gave me 4-5 months of sinus rhythm it’s been decided to do a pace and ablate procedure next week. My worry is whether my symptoms will improve and give me more energy, less fatigue and lightheadedness or not, because my atria will still be fibrillating. Any answers please

[Peepal]

How do I post to AF association forum on Health unlocked. Not that tech savvy. Can’t find anything to do so on this forum.

[Peepal]

Thanks ever so much Happyjo for the explanation, particularly of the symbol 9 circles (3 by 3). I’ve found the af forum and there is so much more info there. Thanks ever so much for your help. I use my iPad.

[not2worry]

My husband is 84 and in September 2018 finally decided to have the PM procedure. He refused to have one for a year but he was so fatigued every day and the AF medications were taxing his organs.

The procedure was out patient.

The next day he got out of bed and declared “I feel great”. It just gotten better since then!

It’s amazing what research has done that we never realized we would directly benefit from.

Yours From Across The Pond & Merry Christmas

[Peepal in reply to not2worry]

Thanks for your reassuring words. Hope my experience works out the same as your husband’s. Hope he is still doing well.

[not2worry in reply to Peepal]

He is doing absolutely great and so will you!

Here are some tips we learned as part of the experience:

* When you go for the procedure wear a button down shirt. They will tell you not to raise your left arm above your shoulder for about 6 weeks. The leads from the tiny computer in your chest need to develop scar tissue to adhere in place.

* You will need a few button down long sleeve shirts. Sew or safety pin the left sleeve to the body of the shirt. This will give you a gentle reminder if you try to lift your left arm above your shoulder. The sewing or pinning just needs to be from your elbow up to under your arm pit. Wear a long sleeved button down shirt or pj top to bed. Your arms flay more than you think at night.

* Be sure to have a few pillows or get a bed wedge pillow. The first few nights you will need to sleep with your head raised. The extra pillows or wedge will help or if you have a recliner you can sleep there for a few nights.

*Sleeping will be a problem the first few nights or even a week. Your pillows, bedding and you will get into a row and no one wins! It's just a part of the recovery process.

* One of the most important things is to take care of the incision site. Ask your doc know what the protocol is so you have what you need when you get home from the surgery. Many patients ignore this follow up procedure. The last thing you want is an infection at the site and it's so easy to clean daily.

You'll like need to see the PE in a week or 10 days. My husband had his incision stapled and he didn't even feel them come out! Some folks have stiches and they may either be dissolved or weaken after a week and are easily snipped out.

Good Luck - The best is yet to come for you.

[Peepal in reply to not2worry]

How kind of you to give me all these tips. I appreciate it very much. All the best for Xmas and a happy new year. Xx